Putting the blame on Barroso

In the aftermath of elections marked by the lowest turnout in history, [Le Monde](http://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/2009/06/08/indifference_1203896_0.html) has roundly criticized the President of the Commission for the record level of voter abstention, and Brussels’ inability to address the problem of the economic crisis, which tops the list of concerns voiced by Europeans. “It is not the fault of Parliament, but Mr Barroso, who has failed to show any political charisma or economic imagination,” claims the daily in its editorial. Nonetheless, the EU member states are now preparing to reappoint him for a second term in office. José Manuel Barroso is hoping to move quickly, and wants consultations with the EPP to begin as soon as possible. The main question is whether he should be elected under the terms of the current Nice Treaty or the Lisbon Treaty, which has yet to be ratified by all of the EU’s member states, points out the daily. Under the Nice Treaty, the President can be designated by a simple majority vote in Parliament, whereas under the terms of the Lisbon Treaty, an absolute majority of 369 MEPs is required. The EPP will probably have 263 seats. i